2025 Oregon Labor Awards

Each biennial convention, the Oregon AFL-CIO honors the incredible fights, victories, and solidarity shown by workers in our movement and our elected allies since our last convention.

We’re honored to announce the 2025 winners of the Oregon Labor Awards, from legislative and political champions to organizing and labor action stars.

Legislative Awards 

Legislator of the Year 

Representative Dacia Grayber

For your herculean effort to uplift and protect Oregon’s workers during the 2024 and 2025 Legislative sessions.

Working Class Warrior 

Senator Kathleen Taylor

For your steadfast commitment to Oregon’s workers throughout the 2024 and 2025 Legislative sessions.

Freshman of the Year 

Representative Lisa Fragala

For your tireless advocacy on behalf of Oregon’s workers during your first session in the Oregon State Legislature.

Legislative Platinum Winners

Majority Leader Kayse Jama

Senator Chris Gorsek

Majority Leader Ben Bowman

Representative Lesly Munoz

Representative Willy Chotzen

Representative Jason Kropf

Representative Travis Nelson

Representative Rob Nosse

Representative Nathan Sosa

Political Awards

Aida Aranda “Women Leading in Labor” Award 

Donna Marks, BCTGM Local 364

For your incredible advocacy in the halls of power to make the state better for workers across your industry and throughout Oregon. 

Tom Chamberlain “Working Class Hero” Award 

Brooke Hill, Oregon AFSCME 

For consistently mobilizing members, leading by example, and building power for working Oregonians throughout the Labor 2024 political program. 

Oregon Labor Lifetime Champion 

Robert Westerman 

Business Manager, IBEW Local 932

For a career of leading the way in building the Labor Movement’s advocacy and political power and embodying the spirit of solidarity.

Phenomenal Phone Banking 

Oregon Nurses Association

For completing the most phone bank shifts throughout the Labor 2024 political program. 

Door Knocking Powerhouse 

LiUNA!

For completing the most canvass shifts throughout the Labor 2024 political program. 

Political People Power   

SEIU Local 503

For completing the most canvass and phone bank shifts throughout the Labor 2024 political program.  

Organizing Awards 

Public Sector - Organizing Powerhouse 

Oregon AFSCME

In recognition of the historic organizing campaign with Research Workers United at OHSU.

Private Sector - Organizing Powerhouse 

Oregon Nurses Association 

In recognition of trailblazing organizing victories at three Legacy hospitals and throughout the healthcare system. 

Building Power Together – University of Oregon Campus Labor Council

For creative collaboration through coalition to win strong contracts and foster a culture of solidarity across the UO campus.

Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation, AFT Local 3544

United Academics of the UO, AAUP/AFT Local 3209

SEIU Local 503, Sublocal 085

UO Student Workers, UAW 8121

Innovations in Organizing 

OFNHP, AFT Local 5017

For your relentless work in organizing Labcorp workers, building power and unity across Oregon’s healthcare landscape, and improving the lives of contracted-out workers who provide invaluable services to our state and region.

Innovations in Organizing

SEIU Local 503

For taking on a comprehensive campaign to build power within the long-term care industry by driving policy innovations, winning bold organizing victories, and empowering workers to win a brighter future. 

Strikes & Work Stoppages

Holding the Line: Coalition of Graduate Employees, AFT Local 6069 

In recognition of the graduate teaching and research assistants who went on strike for nearly four weeks at Oregon State University to win better wages and secure crucial benefits and job protections.

Holding the Line: IAM District Lodge W24 

In recognition of the Machinists who stood strong for 53 days against Boeing and secured a fair contract for their members through courage, solidarity, and determination. 

Holding the Line: Oregon Nurses Association

In recognition of more than 5,000 ONA members who stood strong for 46 days across Providence hospitals in the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history. 

Holding the Line: Oregon AFSCME

In recognition of the hundreds of AFSCME-represented county workers who won strong contracts after five days of striking at both Yamhill County and Benton County. 

Holding the Line: UFCW Local 555

In recognition of the brave UFCW Local 555 members who held the line at Kaiser facilities and Portland-area Fred Meyer stores, standing up for fairness and winning stronger contracts.